Performed and Unperformed Activities of the Assessment phase of the Nursing Process by Nurses of the Regional Hospital Bamenda

Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. It is performed by nurses when patients are admitted, within a maximum of 8hours for stable patients and 24hours for unstable patients. Sometimes, the activities of this phase are well performed. In other times, the performance might not be satisfactory. The objective of this study was to identify the activities of the assessment phase that are regularly/irregularly performed by nurses. Convenience sampling method was used with 80participants. Instruments for data collection were a questionnaire and checklist. Ethical clearance and informed consent was sought. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Results: about half (55%) had a diploma and 58.8% had a working experience of 1-5years. Fifty-one percent of participants said they did regular patient assessment but on observation 40% had performed but only 20% had well performed. Biographical data collection and academic qualification were statistically significant with p= 0.005. Although 80% of participants regularly did present history, other aspects were not up to 80%. this is not satisfactory given their crucial role on patient care. The nursing administration should organize seminars, workshops and do proper follow-up of practices.